Ontario College of Pharmacists Code of Ethics

Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP)

Regulatory body for pharmacy professionals in Ontario.

Code of Ethics

Guidelines for ethical practice in pharmacy.

Registrants

Pharmacy professionals registered with the OCP.

Public Interest

Priority focus on patient welfare and safety.

Ethical Principles

Standards guiding pharmacists' professional conduct.

Self-Evaluation

Process for registrants to assess their ethical practice.

Peer Review

Evaluation of registrants by fellow professionals.

Educational Resource

Material outlining ethical obligations for the public.

Conduct Monitoring

Oversight of registrants' adherence to ethical standards.

Scope of Practice

Defined responsibilities and activities of pharmacy professionals.

Non-Traditional Practice Settings

Pharmacy environments without direct patient relationships.

Accountability

Responsibility of registrants to uphold ethical standards.

Breach of Code

Violation of ethical guidelines set by the OCP.

Declaration of Commitment

Affirmation of understanding and commitment to ethics.

Healthcare Professional

Individual prioritizing patient benefit over profit.

Ethical Behaviours

Actions aligned with the Code of Ethics.

Companion Documents

Related documents that support the Code of Ethics.

Legislation

Laws governing pharmacy practice and ethics.

Professional Role

Commitment to patient welfare in pharmacy practice.

Pharmacy Students

Individuals studying to become pharmacy professionals.

Interns

Pharmacy graduates gaining practical experience.

Pharmacy Technicians

Supportive healthcare professionals in pharmacy settings.

Vulnerability

Patients' susceptibility to harm or exploitation.

Power Imbalance

Unequal power dynamics in healthcare relationships.

Social Contract

Implicit agreement to act in patients' best interests.

Altruism

Selfless concern for the well-being of others.

Beneficence

Commitment to benefit patients and enhance well-being.

Non Maleficence

Obligation to do no harm to patients.

Respect for Persons

Recognition of patients' intrinsic humanity and rights.

Justice

Ethical obligation to treat all patients fairly.

Accountability

Responsibility to uphold trust and ethical standards.

Fiduciary Duty

Obligation to act in patients' best interests.

Professional Boundaries

Limits that protect patient welfare and trust.

Regulated Healthcare Professional

Professionals governed by ethical and legal standards.

Healthcare Professional

Individual providing care and medical services.

Ethical Principles

Guidelines governing healthcare practices and decisions.

Integrity

Adherence to moral and ethical principles.

Autonomy

Patients' right to make informed decisions.

Well-being

State of health and overall quality of life.

Healthcare Relationship

Interaction between patients and healthcare providers.

Self-Regulating Profession

Profession governing itself through established standards.

Trust

Confidence patients place in healthcare providers.

Code of Ethics

Document outlining ethical standards for professionals.

Beneficence

Obligation to actively benefit patients and society.

Patient-Centered Care

Focus on individual patient needs and preferences.

Therapeutic Judgment

Assess appropriateness of medication therapy for patients.

Informed Decisions

Provide patients with sufficient healthcare information.

Current Information

Ensure patient information aligns with best practices.

Address Barriers

Identify and mitigate obstacles to patient care.

Quality Care

Strive for cost-effective and high-quality pharmacy services.

Public Education

Engage in programs promoting health and disease prevention.

Mentorship

Support education of pharmacy students and interns.

Research Ethics

Ensure research complies with ethical standards.

Healthcare Policy

Participate in pharmacy-related policy development.

Non Maleficence

Obligation to prevent harm to patients and society.

Professional Judgment

Use expertise to avoid harmful behaviors.

Complex Patients

Prioritize care for patients with intricate health needs.

Consultation

Collaborate with healthcare professionals for quality care.

Patient Factors

Consider age, capacity, and lifestyle in care.

Medication Appropriateness

Evaluate therapy based on individual patient circumstances.

Communication

Facilitate dialogue with patients and advocates.

Healthcare Outcomes

Aim for optimal health results for patients.

Ethical Research

Conduct research approved by ethics boards.

Health Promotion

Contribute to wellness initiatives in the community.

Pharmacy Development

Advance the profession through education and research.

Quality Standards

Adhere to current evidence and practice standards.

Scope of Practice

Limitations on professional activities and competencies.

Medical Errors

Disclosure of mistakes and near misses in care.

Honesty and Transparency

Responsibility for disclosing harm to patients.

Challenge Colleagues

Questioning peers' decisions affecting patient care.

Informed Consent

Providing patients with information on treatment risks.

Transition of Care

Ensuring safe transfer of patient information between providers.

Quality Medications

Providing safe, proven, and legally compliant products.

Patient Confidentiality

Protecting patient information from unauthorized disclosure.

Exploitation of Relationship

Avoiding personal gain from professional-patient interactions.

Sexual Behavior Prohibition

No sexual relations or behavior with patients.

Harassment Prohibition

No bullying, offensive jokes, or intimidating behavior.

Conscientious Objection

Respecting patient rights despite personal beliefs.

Ending Professional Relationship

Conditions for terminating patient care relationship.

Continuity of Care

Ensuring ongoing patient care despite service refusal.

Patient Rights

Respecting and upholding patient autonomy and privacy.

Risk Management

Strategies to prevent future medical errors.

Referral to Colleagues

Directing patients to appropriate healthcare professionals.

Patient Information Sharing

Communicating relevant data to ensure effective care.

Professional Integrity

Maintaining ethical standards in healthcare practice.

Patient Safety

Prioritizing measures to protect patients from harm.

Ethical Obligations

Responsibilities to act in patients' best interests.

Legal Compliance

Adhering to laws governing healthcare practices.

Duty to Provide Care

Obligation to care during emergencies and pandemics.

Human Resources Compliance

Maintain resources for practice standards and legislation.

Raising Concerns

Report issues affecting patient care or safety.

Task Assignment

Assign tasks only to competent individuals.

Lifelong Learning

Commitment to continuous professional knowledge improvement.

Respect for Persons

Ethical obligation to honor patient dignity and worth.

Patient Autonomy

Patients are self-governing decision-makers in healthcare.

Vulnerability Recognition

Acknowledge and respect patients' vulnerabilities.

Patient-Centered Care

Provide care with sensitivity and respect.

Understanding Patient Needs

Listen to patients to understand their health goals.

Respect for Values

Honor patients' customs and beliefs in care.

Patient Privacy

Protect confidentiality unless legally authorized to disclose.